$1000 Lemenze Opportunity Grants
The Lemenze Opportunity Grants will be awarded annually to deserving riders who would otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in local NJ area horse shows. Starting in 2026, I am proud to offer two grants so that one can be awarded to each a junior and an adult amateur rider. As an equestrian who grew up in New Jersey, I am humbled to be able to help give other riders the opportunity to learn and gain experience by competing in and supporting the local NJ horse show circuit.
Nominations for 2026 are closed.
Please come back again next year!
WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT GRANT RECIPIENTS
"Savannah is an incredible person. On weekends and after school, she comes to our barn and helps however she can, whether it's helping kids tack up and untack, teaching others about horse care, or just taking care of our school horses. She does this in exchange for lessons and for opportunities to learn and grow her knowledge about horses. Now we have plenty of people who do this, but Savannah takes the responsibility of it all incredibly seriously. She stays behind while the others go to horse shows, so there is someone to help with the commercial lessons. She cleans school tack and organizes the barn so things will be easier for the trainers and students. She is someone the trainers can rely on and she deserves more opportunities to show and compete within our horse showing community."
Savannah S.
2024 Grant Recipient
"Samantha is the embodiment of passion, perseverance, and dedication in the equestrian community. For years, she has been deeply committed to riding, pouring her heart into training and competing with her beloved horse. Supporting her would not only help her continue pursuing her dreams, but it would also honor the legacy of the mother who stood beside her through it all. I have no doubt she will continue to make a lasting impact in the equestrian community."
Samantha M.
2025 Grant Recipient
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is it?
These two $1000 grants will be awarded annually to a junior and adult amateur rider who would otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in local horse shows. The grant recipients will also receive one free private performance photography package from Kelly Lemenze Photography, to be used at participating horse shows during the 2026 season.
Who is eligible?
In accordance with GR1306 of the USEF guidelines, any junior or adult amateur rider is eligible to receive the grant. The grant recipient must live in the NJ area (NJ, NY, PA, DE) to be eligible for the grant.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted using the form below. Nominations must be submitted by an adult, age 18 years or older. Nominations are encouraged from trainers, parents, and peers; however, self-nominations will also be accepted.
How is the grant awarded?
Applications will be collected and blinded before they are reviewed and a recipient is selected. The grant recipients will be notified via email or phone and a certified check will be mailed to a verified address. In the event a recipient does not respond within 48 hours of the 3rd attempt to notify, the grant will be forfeited and awarded to the next most-eligible recipient.
How can the grant be used?
The grant may be used at the discretion of the recipient; however, it is intended to provide the recipient an opportunity to compete in local NJ area horse shows. The grant may be used in its entirety at one horse show or over the course of the 2026 season to participate in multiple shows.
When are nominations due?
The nomination period will be open from February 1–28, 2026. All nominations are due by 11:59pm ET on February 28. Any nominations received after this deadline will not be considered.
When will the grant recipient be notified?
The grant recipients will be notified via email or phone after March 14, 2026 and a certified check will be mailed to a verified address. In the event a recipient does not respond within 48 hours of the 3rd attempt to notify, the grant will be forfeited and awarded to the next most-eligible recipient.
Nominations will open February 1
Nominations for the 2025 Lemenze Opportunity Grant have closed. Please check back again next year!